Josangho Vows to Enact Special Act and Pursue Constitutional Amendment for Administrative Capital

Three Major Pledges: Realizing a Self-Sufficient City and Strengthening Daily Welfare for Citizens

Josangho, the Democratic Party of Korea's preliminary candidate for mayor of Sejong Special Self-Governing City (Photo by Mok Seokbong)

Josangho, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Mayor of Sejong Special Self-Governing City, held a press conference at the Jeongeum Room of Sejong City Hall on April 17, officially announcing his candidacy and declaring, "I will fight like Lee Haechan and work like Lee Jaemyung."

Candidate Jo unveiled three major pledges: the completion of the administrative capital, the enhancement of self-sufficiency functions, and the strengthening of welfare for citizens' daily lives.

In particular, he revealed plans to enact the Special Act on the Administrative Capital and pursue a constitutional amendment for the administrative capital during President Lee Jaemyung's term in office, aiming to establish Sejong as a true administrative capital fully responsible for the presidency, National Assembly, government, foreign affairs, and national defense.

◆ Emphasizing a "one team" as strong as steel... Declaring a winning system for the general election

Jo expressed gratitude to his fellow contenders in the primary—Lee Chunhee, Ko Junil, Kim Suhyeon, and Hong Sunsik—and stressed, "A primary is just a primary."

He continued, "I will dedicate myself to becoming a crucible that encompasses the visions of all four candidates," adding, "I will carry on Lee Chunhee's dream of completing the administrative capital, Ko Junil's innovative vision, Kim Suhyeon's spirit of citizen sovereignty, and Hong Sunsik's genuine commitment to people's livelihoods."

He especially declared, "From Sojeong to Geumnam, we will unite as a one team as strong as steel, reclaim the lost four years, and transform the lives of our citizens," underscoring his determination to win the general election.

◆ Full completion of 'Administrative Capital Sejong'

Jo emphasized that, as a member of the National Policy Planning Committee under the Lee Jaemyung administration, he personally drafted a new blueprint for the completion of Sejong as the administrative capital, declaring his intention to put an end to fruitless debates on the issue.

Specifically, he presented a vision to enact the Special Act on the Administrative Capital and pursue a constitutional amendment during the presidential term, thus establishing Sejong as a true administrative capital responsible for the presidency, National Assembly, government, foreign affairs, and national defense. He emphasized, "We will open an era in which Korea is viewed through the eyes of Sejong."

◆ A leap toward a self-sufficient city with a population of 800,000

Jo proposed a vision for an innovative urban-rural integrated city that harmonizes new towns and township areas. He set a bold goal of making Sejong a self-sufficient city with a population of 800,000, leading the overall growth of the city.

In transportation, he pledged to establish the KTX Sejong Central Station. In education and culture, he proposed attracting a comprehensive national university, the Korea National University of Arts, and KidZania. In the industrial sector, he aims to foster five major industries—semiconductors, bio, AI, knowledge services, and media/content—centered around three major clusters: the national industrial complex, Jiphyeon-dong Tech Valley, and the Digital Media Complex. He also vowed to create 5,000 innovative jobs, transforming Sejong into a "capital for youth" that attracts young people from across the country.

◆ Sejong, where citizens' daily lives are comfortable

In the welfare sector, Jo pledged to strengthen public responsibility for infant meal programs, establish youth shelters and senior welfare centers, and expand the Nuri Call service, promising to build a robust welfare network.

In the economic sector, he proposed revitalizing the local economy through the designation of a special tourism zone and the innovation of business districts. In transportation, he promised to build a "fast and smart transportation network" by reorganizing bus routes, shortening intervals between buses, and normalizing BRT services.

In the fiscal sector, Jo pledged to fundamentally resolve Sejong's fiscal issues through measures such as introducing a proportional system for general grants, reclaiming LH development charges, and pursuing urban development projects.

◆ Pledging to campaign with a heart that cares for citizens like one's own wounds

Jo highlighted that he learned politics from the late former Prime Minister Lee Haechan and vowed, "I will work sincerely, faithfully, and earnestly."

◆ Policy contest with former Mayor Choi Minho

Jo also announced, "I will confidently compete with former Sejong Mayor Choi Minho based on our respective policies and visions," foreshadowing a policy-focused race.

In conclusion, he pledged to practice the spirit of "Siminyeosang"—caring for citizens' lives as if they were his own wounds—by attentively considering the lives of each individual. Jo emphasized, "I will fight like Lee Haechan and work like Lee Jaemyung, turning the Democratic Party's victory into a victory for Sejong."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.